You may ask Police for official information you think Police holds. This type of information request is covered by the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA), not the Privacy Act. The information may be available on the Police website, or you can make a request for it under the OIA.

The OIA entitles you to ask Police for:

• any specified official information
• information about internal policies, principles, rules or guidelines
• information about a person other than yourself

Requests seeking information about another person (a third party) are processed under the Official Information Act. Considerations include:

• the privacy of the other person
• how old the information is
• your relationship to the other person
• the public interest in release.

You may complete and submit your request online at http://www.police.govt.nz/oiarequest.

Alternatively, you may download the Request for official information form, or write a letter or email, and deliver your completed request by hand or post or email to your nearest Police station or District Headquarters or Police National Headquarters.

Some guidance on making an OIA request is included on the Police form.

You can expect a reply within 20 working days of receipt of your request, unless an extension of that timeframe is notified.